ZaReason: An Amazing Attack of Linux Cluefulness - page 2

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February 25, 2009

By
Carla Schroder

ZaReason will build a Linux server to your specifications. They don't offer prefab server bundles yet, but plan to someday. Meanwhile, the turnaround on custom jobs is very fast. They will install your favorite Linux, so you're not stuck with Ubuntu.

Marketing

ZaReason's customers find them in classic mom-n-pop fashion. Cathy goes to Linux tradeshows, and customers spread the word, which in these modern times means they get talked about on forums, blogs, and mailing lists. While Dell's Linux efforts are still rather bizarrely two-faced, with "We Recommend Microsoft Vista!" on every dratted Linux page, they've done a great job at publicizing desktop and notebook Linux, which benefits all Linux vendors. Initially ZaReason's customers were tech- and Linux-savvy, but as they've grown they're seeing more Linux noobs.

Future Plans

Cathy and Earl are very interested in the OpenMoko, which unlike Android is a genuinely open platform. They're even talking about moving to Taiwan in a couple of years and building their own prototype, and then entering the mobile phone business.

So yeah, I like these folks, and I like their approach to running a business. Like I'm always ranting, you don't have to be an evil, customer-hostile, immoral villain to succeed. Nice people succeed, treating your customers well really does work, and there is plenty to go around for everyone.

Carla Schroder is the author of the Linux Cookbook and the Linux Networking Cookbook (O'Reilly Media), the upcoming "Building a Digital Sound Studio with Audacity" (NoStarch Press), a lifelong book lover, and the managing editor of LinuxPlanet and Linux Today.